e cap, and no sheathing or scaly
remains of a volva at the base of the stem. In some species the
epidermis of the cap breaks into scales which persistently adhere to the
cap, and this feature, indeed, suggests the name of the genus, which is
derived from the Latin word _lepis_, a scale.

The stem is hollow or stuffed, its flesh being distinct from the pileus
and easily separable from it. There are a number of edible species.

_Lepiota procera. Scop._

THE PARASOL MUSHROOM. EDIBLE.

[Illustration: _Photo by C. G. Lloyd._

Plate VI. Figure 32.--Lepiota procera.]

Procera means tall.

The pileus is thin, strongly umbonate, adorned with brown spot-like
scales.

The gills are white, sometimes yellowish-white, free, remote from the
stem, broad and crowded, ventricose, edge sometimes brownish.

The stem is very long, cylindrical, hollow or stuffed, even, very long
in proportion to its thickness and is, therefore, suggestive of the
specific name, procera. The ring is rather thick and firm, though in
mature plants it becomes loosened and movable on the stem. This and the
form of the plant suggest the name, parasol. The cap is from three to
five inches broad and the stem from five to nine inches high. I found
one specimen among fallen timber that was eleven inches tall and whose
cap was six inches broad.

It has a wide distribution. It is found in all parts of Ohio but is not
abundant anywhere. It is a favorite with those who have eaten it, and,
indeed, it is a delicious morsel when quickly broiled over coals,
seasoned to taste with salt and pepper, butter melted in the gills and
served on toast. This mushroom is especially free from grubs and it can
be dried for winter use.

There is no poisonous species with which one is likely to confound it.
The very tall, slender stem with a bulbous base, the very peculiar
spotted cap with the prominent dark colored umbo and the movable ring on
the stem, are ear-marks sufficient to identify this species.

Spores white and elliptical, 14x10u. Lloyd. It is found in pastures,
stubble, and among fallen timber. July to October.

I am indebted to C. G. Lloyd for the photograph given here.

_Lepiota naucina. Fr._

SMOOTH LEPIOTA. EDIBLE.

[Illustration: Figure 33.--Lepiota naucina. The entire plant white.]

Pileus soft, smooth, white or smoky-white; gills free, white, slowly
changing with age to a dirty pinkish-brown color; stem annulate,
slightly thickened at the base, at